concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Do we really feel like 6ULs are on the majority of Miata track cars?

codrus

Majority probably not, but I would say it's a plurality of the faster Miatas that I see at the track.

--Ian

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

That's a good word, Ian.

DNM

poormxdad

While I completely agree with the above, I believe there is one more nuanced piece that needs to be considered. In sixshooter's hypothetical bar scene, the dozen or so guys/entities/businesses actually up at the bar are not to be talked about with anything but reverence and hushed tones by the mere mortals and rabble trying desperately to get a drink. When one of the unwashed steps out of line and makes a negative statement about a service or product associated with the inner circle, there is usually piling on. The ensuing "flame thread" comes about because other deplorables, who had not wanted to risk their future questions being ignored, finally decide to chime in. The cabal at the bar shoot back, and the whole thing turns to ****.

I'm not taking sides. I've purchased four sets of 6ULs and would have more if they'd been available, even though I've cracked four wheels. I'm just suggesting we think of these as more than just "flame threads".

poormxdad

I see two different groups. The racers that have weight/width requirements run various wheels to be legal. Lots of Team Dynamics users. Most guys running bigger than seven inches wide have either Advantis or 6ULs, and many of the guys with the Advantis bought them because they couldn't get 6ULs when they wanted them.

jacob300zx

I don't think any wheel you pick will spontaneously explode on track. I would bet the exploded 6UL or any wheel that explodes had damage prior to going out for the session. Its honestly not a top priority to many of us. I've never seen someone safety check a wheel at a track day unless they had a big off or tapped someone. We tracked a set of 15x9 6UL's on 225 RS3's in 2012? had maybe 10hrs total track time on them and there was a crack mid spoke on one of the wheels. Sucks, but that car was drove hard and went off track a few times. No telling what happened. Moral of the story, check things that could make you crash between every stint. Brakes, tires, wheels...

96turbowhite

Its really more like a group of guys who live at that bar, and have made it their world padding each other's egos. If those same guys were at an actual bar or cocktail party and said in person the things they say to newbies in this forum, they'd likely get punched in the mouth. The better analogy might be 1980s teenage girls creating an exclusive click and making themselves feel important or special by putting others down. It's sad really, but entertaining to watch....

matrussell122

iTrader: (1)

Maybe try an intro post instead of giving six a hard time. We didnt ask you to join the forum. You know how it operates here. Accept it or try a different forum.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

*clique

Please try to adhere to this community's quality standards.

But really, why does this bother you? You're only here to use the classifieds like your own personal Craigslist.

Schroedinger

The trashpost domino effect. Start with a trashpost, bring other trashposters out of the woodwork.

96turbowhite

Per recommendation, profile updated and intro post made.

Back on topic....6 UL wheels cracking.....

ryansmoneypit

iTrader: (6)

Sounds crazy, but what's the possibility that cracks are being caused from how the vehicle is being secured to the trailer?

I ran tie downs through the spokes and could definitely imagine a LOT of force on them. Cranking down on straps, hard stops with traffic, etc..straps would be trying to pull the wheel out of round, or worse yet, in bending.its a long shot, but I'm surprised every single day by something.

k24madness

iTrader: (6)

Pretty funny to see the direction this thread has taken.

I accept and understand why 6UL’s crack. I don’t consider it a desire flaw. Some may crack sooner than expected but that’s also part of manufacturing “go no go” tolerances. Having a product evolve to improve (sometimes not) is also expected. Current gen 6UL is pretty robust and a great value IMHO.

Understanding why they crack is simple too. They flex under heavy load like everything else on the suspension and chassis for that matter. It’s the number of flex cycles that largely determines life of the wheel. Abrupt impacts like offs and curbs (while cornering loaded) shocks the wheel and introduces small stress cracks. It’s only a matter of time before they grow to reveal themselves.

My POV comes from: Crewing on a Porsche 997 cup car, those big $$$ BBS wheels crack too! My 3 piece Fikse wheel have also cracked. They cost over $3.5k new! Seeing miata front/rear hubs crack and break.

Lastly....Those who race carts know the frames cycle out. They get floppy from fatigue. Same is true for track cars. Everything is subject to flex and fatigue! Focusing gripes on a sub $200 wheel is laughable from where I stand. Sure I’d be bitter if my wheels died after 1-2 sets of tires but knowing the above I’d move on. None of what we do on track is economically feasible so throwing away wheels is just another chapter in the money pit of racing.

machschnell

Maybe they should just pre-crack the wheels like they do LS1 connecting rods. Add some ARP bolts and you're good to go